Celebrant Pam Meily Vetter


	Celebrating Life Everyone Has A Story...

George Mark Clark was the second born to Maria and Joe Clark in 1946, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He joined an older brother, Joseph, and later welcomed a younger sister, Marilyn. George was greatly influenced by his father and mother who were very friendly and kind. As his father worked in the Army, they were a military family and used to traveling. When George was 8-years-old, the family moved to Kobe, Japan. George learned to speak English in Japan. He played basketball on the Kobras and was also a Boy Scout. The family spent three and a half years in Japan before relocating to the United States.

In 1957, the family settled in Barstow, California. George went on to become an Eagle Scout, earning one of the highest titles in scouting. He also excelled in academics and lettered in basketball and track at Barstow Union High School, graduating early at the age of 16 in 1963. He went on to higher education at University of California Berkeley (Go Bears!) and had many wonderful memories of learning and spending time with friends. In 1967, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering. After post-graduate study at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (N.Y.) on a scholarship, he returned to the Los Angeles area, where he lived for the next 40 years.

In 1968, George began a distinguished 34-year career in Aerospace (Rockwell/Boeing), while earning a Masters of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering at University of Southern California. George was always a dedicated engineer, working on high-profile projects. He was actively involved with the early space program (rocketry and re-entry shuttles) and later with the development of a number of the more recent military aircraft such as the B-1 Bomber.

In June 1968, his life changed forever with a chance meeting with Kathy, who had moved to Los Angeles from Nebraska. The couple fell in love and married in January 1970. Four years later, the couple welcomed their only child, Cynthia Jean Clark, who was quickly known as Cindy. George was thrilled with her birth because he loved children, especially their curiosity and willingness to learn. Always a teacher, he was happy to share his knowledge with Cindy. George shared stories and information with her at every turn. When she was only a baby, she’d hear the doorknob turn and she practically jumped out of the highchair because she knew her Papa was home from work. Over the years, he built her a beautiful bed, a fort, a dollhouse and a stage for her performances. He also loved to play alongside the kids. At Christmas, George was happy to join the children in the tradition of jumping into the pile of wrapping paper. Tio George was loved by all of the nieces and nephews as he had a way of making everyone laugh and smile. When Cindy participated in track and soccer, he was so proud of her accomplishments. He supported her work in band competitions by attending events when she performed with flags.

Even though George worked on top-secret projects professionally, he also used his engineering skills at home. With his skills as a mechanic, he excelled at fixing cars. He hand-built bookshelves, a gazebo, and an awning. He also refurbished things regularly from garage sales. George had a willingness to share his knowledge with children of all ages in his neighborhood and beyond. Education was a priority as he often encouraged the next generation. He was so pleased when Cindy followed in his footsteps, earning her degree from University of California Berkeley.

After retirement, George worked avidly on his Master's degree in Geology at California State University Northridge. He taught classes for the department and enjoyed working with students. He also loved the field trips and hikes where he could learn about, and take in, the natural beauty of California. During the last year, when he was teaching at CSUN as a graduate student, he absolutely loved every moment because it had been his lifelong dream to teach.

George had many favorites in life. He loved classical and jazz music. One of his favorite pieces of music was "The Marriage of Figaro." He had a great affection for books, collecting thousands of volumes over the years on topics such as history, airplanes, World War II and geology. He enjoyed holidays, especially Easter Egg hunts with the family. Last year, the Christmas gathering was held at the family home, creating lasting memories. George was often a self-appointed family photographer, capturing so many wonderful moments on film. He loved to laugh and was happy to root for the underdog in sports. Spiritually, he believed in God and started reading the Bible. He especially liked reading Psalms. He recently told his family, "To me, God is nature." With a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature, he enjoyed the great outdoors. He had affection for the beauty of flowers, especially the California Poppy Reserve. His favorite color was green, the same color as his green eyes.

A dedicated husband for 38 years, George made his wife and family a priority. Over the years, he enjoyed trips with Kathy to Puerto Rico, the Grand Canyon (North Rim and South Rim), Berkeley and most recently, Santa Cruz, to visit Cindy. He and Kathy also made an annual tradition of wonderful visits to the Hollywood Bowl, especially on the fourth of July. George was a passionate learner, a hard worker, and a loving, kind, and friendly person to all. He was a man of integrity who embraced a life-long passion for learning as he was fascinated with the world and never grew tired of it. Willing to work hard and share his gifts in life, George influenced technology, his students and his family. In fact, the best part of his life was always his family. George was the one person who was both respected for his great intelligence and loved by the little children. He will be remembered often with smiles and fondness!

His father, Joe, preceded George in death. He is survived by his wife Kathy; mother, Maria; daughter, Cindy; brother, Joseph and wife Elena; sister, Marilyn Kennedy and husband, Richard; nephew Calen; nieces Marisa, Cristina, Cecelia, and Zara; one great-nephew and five great-nieces (All who will sorely miss their beloved Tio Georgie!); and many extended relatives, co-workers and friends.

Memorial donations are welcome to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org.